More people are getting sick from backyard poultry flocks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says an additional 227 people have become ill from Salmonella in backyard poultry flocks since May.
The ongoing investigation has overall confirmed 279 illnesses in 41 states. People who got sick reported getting chicks and ducklings from places such as agricultural stores, websites and hatcheries, and about one-third of the illnesses were reported in children under the age of five.
People can get sick from Salmonella from touching poultry or their environment, even as birds carrying the bacteria can appear healthy and clean. The CDC recommends consumers should always thoroughly wash their hands after handling poultry. Further, health experts say to keep backyard poultry out of the house, and away from young children and the elderly, and advises against kissing or cuddling them.
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12-72 hours after eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts four to seven days.
Source: National Association of Farm Broadcasters